A Philadelphia ad exec is offering a "fabulous drug stash" reward in a bid to get back the Macbook he foolishly left in his unlocked car.
Kurt Shore was leaving his office car park in early November when he realised he'd left something inside. He rushed back in, leaving the lights on, but not the central locking.
On his return …

Actually, number plate would do, here.

Number plate would be much more use here and reasonably easy to get... But the provided video is still essential, mugshot on its own would be hard to get here as well as useless without some evidence of that person being a criminal as well.

So, it's his only copy?

Edjit

What A total berk, Whoever employs this muppet should fire him for being so dam stupid and lazy. Its not difficult to take the Key out of the engine and press the button to lock... Oh wait he actually took the keys with him and yet still didn't press the button.

Oh and he didn't have a backup of his information, not surprise as he is clearly too stupid to use the built in time machine.

Dropbox is free for 2GB

Fake

The thief doesn't even pause to look through the windows - he opens the correct door, picks up the MacBook from a darkened car and scarpers. He would've peeked through the window first to see what was in the car. Smells like a hoax to me.

40 to 50 bucks??

send the footage to CSI

if this was CSI then they'd be able to enhance the footage, get his reflection from the door glass and a puddle, zoom in to get a retina print and compare it to the huge database they keep in mere moments (with bing bong sound effects to keep us entertained), or wipe a cotton swab on the door handle and get a DNA result before the next commercial break and swoop in with a witty one-liner to nab him.

Oh dear

If this poor hopeless sap had just put the damn thing in his boot, this would never have happened.

I can understand walking away from the car inadvertently leaving it unlocked. But also to leave your kit in full view in the car. Under the easily breakable windows?

Oh deary, deary me.

Perhaps it was case of placing no value on the hardware, but not fully understanding the value of the data thereon? I guess its a common mistake these days amongst the non it literate. I do feel sorry for him. But only just.

Prey

Sounds like someone needs to know about the Prey Project http://preyproject.com/

Prey lets you keep track of your phone or laptop at all times, and will help you find it if it ever gets lost or stolen. It's lightweight, open source software, and free for anyone to use. And it just works.

Down here...

Another dumb bugger who doesn't tether his laptop ... or make back-ups.

Hasn't this AD MAN seen the ADVERTISEMENTS that recommend you lock your goodies in your car boot / trunk?

I have hauled laptops and assorted high value electronic test gear around the world for decades and have yet to lose one to a thief. My trusty Kingston security tether (don't use the Belkin as they are useless) is ALWAYS attached when out of my home or office.

At airports or other transportation termini I thread the tether through my baggage handles. On commuter trains I either secure the tether through my trousers belt or around my wrist. Once I travelled on the Chiltern line and noticed all the dozing business men who carelessly entrusted their laptops to the overhead rack. On arrival at Princes Risborough there was a cry of anguish as one of these sleeping beauties had discovered his toy had been taken for a walk.

P.S. Do yourselves a favour, cut off any labelling on the carry cases that suggest the contents have a high value!

Re:Time Machine

One of the best features on the Mac, I wish other OS had something like it. All you need is a USB hard drive, don't pay for that overpriced Time Capsule or Airport station, something most people should by rights have anyway. All you have to do is plug it in for a few minutes every now and then and it keeps everything safe, absolutely fantastic.

How can you forget to lock the car?

I know he was running late for a meeting and what not but the theif was probably not looking to steal at that point. He was handed the opportunity on a plate when he ran off without turning off the light, or locking the door . I have been in a similar situation but i always locked the doors and have my laptop with me